Rotorua Lakes Council E-pānui, Issue: 278

Tuesday, 21 March 2023

Kia ora <<First Name>>

We’re on a winning weather streak and have been able to host three Night Markets in a row (fingers crossed for a fourth!) as well as warmly welcome thousands of visitors to our rohe for Crankworx Rotorua.

Don’t forget, locals can head along to Crankworx for free tomorrow (Wednesday 22) and Thursday 23 March – book your free Crankworx locals day tickets.

Nau mai, haere mai - a warm welcome to Amelia Liddell and Sa’hayla Harden our successful Tuia 2023 candidates who will be mentored by Mayor Tania Tapsell to build leadership skills and contribute to our community – more on this kaupapa.

Ngā manakitaanga.

Quick fire updates

❗️ Kawerau earthquake swarm & earthquake preparedness - a timely reminder to prepare for a natural disaster.

⚠️ Toi Te Ora lake health warning issued for Te Weta Bay at Lake Rotoiti. Keep an eye on their channels for all health warnings.

🚗 Free driving programme for young drivers these April school holidays – register online.

✍️ Have your say on what you want to see in the Rotorua Museum when it reopens – share your feedback.

Keeping our roads safer

In its thirteenth year, the Road Safety Rotorua Youth Expo returned last week educating hundreds of Year 11 students about forming safe driving habits.

Thanks to funding from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Rotorua Lakes Council, the Expo encourages 15/16 year olds to create good habits before they’re eligible for learners and restricted licences.

To further target young drivers, our Driver Directions Programme is on again these school holidays (18-19 April).

The free, one-day course aims to strengthen young drivers' skills to encourage safe and empowered drivers. You must register for this course.

Development of draft annual plan

Work to develop Council’s draft 2023/24 Annual Plan is progressing with Mayor Tania Tapsell saying it will help set a new direction to take the district forward and will balance the need to deliver what's important to communities with the need for prudent financial management.

The draft plan will go out to the community for feedback during April and May.

Homeless Hounds Update

Kayde the 8 year old Staffy X found his fur-ever home last week! This issue we feature, Pup, our longest standing Pound pup!

An eight year old female Lab X, Pup is a lovely old girl with plenty of tricks left to give to her new whānau. Although cute she is a wee bit cunning and has attempted many escapes so an experienced dog owner is required to keep this spry girl in.

If you think you can give Pup a loving, last and secure home please contact us on 07 348 4199 for more information or to meet her.

🐾 You can follow our homeless hounds journey on our Facebook group.

Community and District Development Committee meeting update

Community safety initiatives implemented by Rotorua Lakes Council in partnership with the Police have focused on visibility, responsiveness and community reassurance, the Community and District Development Committee was told at the meeting last week.

That focus will remain as the partnership continues to develop and work continues on development of a longer-term community safety strategy.

The aim is prevention and early intervention, the committee was told in the update.

Wasp are you doing?

Seven wasp nests were removed from Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) last week, which were posing a threat to lake users. It was found that the public litter bins were attracting wasp swarms.

As a result of this, Council is trialling the removal of rubbish bins from Lake Tikitapu and encouraging everyone to take their rubbish and recycling home with them to keep lake goers safe and deter pests from hanging around.

What's on

🎤 24 March: Koiora. FREE Friday night live music! This week features Funk/Soul DJ Jay Boogie and R&B/reggae artist, Remaster.

🏊‍ 25 March: Legend of the Lake. The blue waters of Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) makes a special experience for swimmers and spectators alike.

🌺 25 March: Pasifika Rotorua. Delicious food and cultural performances to celebrate Pacific cultures.

♻️ 25 March: Home Composting Workshops. Learn about composting, bokashi and worm farming to reduce your emissions.

🎶 26 March: Music at the Band Rotunda. The final Sunday afternoon of music for 2023! Enjoy the Thermaleles and the Symphonic Band.

🎵 26 March: Opera in the Pa. An unforgettable evening of soprano’s, tenors, and everything in between, hosted at Te Puia.